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Wales cut Hook, Phillips and Hibbard

James Hook and Mike Phillips have both been cut by Warren Gatland as he trims his squad ahead of the World Cup.

The half-back pairing who started last Saturday against Ireland are jettisoned from the squad, as is hooker Richard Hibbard, with eight players cut altogether.

The others to miss out are Ospreys trio Rory Thornton, Nicky Smith and Dan Baker, as well as Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon.

The squad of 38 will return to the WRU National Centre of Excellence on Monday (August 17) to continue their preparations.

"It's been a difficult task reducing the squad down and deciding who will meet up with us again on Monday," said head coach Warren Gatland.

"All the players involved over the past eight weeks have put a huge amount of effort in. The intensity and dedication from the players out in Switzerland and Qatar has been really impressive.

"That makes our job a lot harder but as we continue to move into our rugby focused phase of training its important we reduce the squad number down.

"There will be disappointment from the players but its important to stress that the door is not closed. We name our final Rugby World Cup squad on August 31st and a lot can happen between now and then.

"As a squad we will now meet up again on Monday to continuing preparing for Ireland away which is just over a fortnight away."